Mouse cells grown inside a nanofiber-based scaffold

Mouse cells grow inside a nanofiber-based scaffold. The scaffold contains a high density of IKVAV, a bioactive sequence of five amino acids derived from the extracellular protein laminin. Although these cells are capable of transforming into several cell types, when encapsulated in this self-assembling matrix, most of them become neurons, shown in green. Cell nuclei are shown in blue. The ability to control cell differentiation is of interest in treatment of spinal cord injury because it may be possible to use the scaffolding to inhibit formation of non-neuronal cells that form scar tissue and prevent healing. Image courtesy of Dr. Samuel I. Stupp, Northwestern University. Grant EB003806